It makes sense comparing Yamaha RX-V385BL vs Yamaha RX-V683BL because they both are able to give some premium features.
A significant difference between the receivers in the number of channels, Yamaha RX-V385BL has 5.1 versus 7.2 for Yamaha RX-V683BL. Regarding power, then RX-V385BL has such a W/Ohm ratio - 70/8, 145/6 when RX-V683BL has a power of 90/8, 150/4. The THD is 0.09% for the RX-V385BL but 0.06% for the RX-V683BL.
Characteristics of digital to analog converter (DAC) are different, Burr-Brown 384 KHz/32-bit for RX-V385BL and Burr-Brown 192 KHz/24-bit for the RX-V683BL. Only the RX-V683BL supports Bi-amping feature. The Yamaha RX-V683BL can transmit an audio signal directly to the amplifier and bypasses any DSP processing.
Only the Yamaha RX-V683BL can connect to the Internet via WI-FI. Rivals from our review have Bluetooth support. Only the RX-V683BL supports Spotify.
Both AV receivers support HDR10 technology (High dynamic range). Compared AV receivers retain the quality of 4K/60Hz signal when transmitting from a source to a TV or projector. HDMI signal transmission in standby mode is implemented in each of the devices. Both rivals can scale the resolution of the incoming HDMI signal. The HDR standard - Dolby Vision is supported by these receivers.
The Yamaha RX-V385BL has 4/1 HDMI inputs/outputs versus 6/1 HDMI connectors of the Yamaha RX-V683BL. The HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC) feature supports both devices. The HDMI eARC is available only on the RX-V385BL. The Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) feature is present in most modern AV receivers and the models in our comparison are no exception. The RX-V385BL supports the protection of digital content of the standard HDCP 2.3, versus HDCP 2.2 in the RX-V683BL. The RX-V683BL has a built-in phono stage for connecting a vinyl player. A voice control is not available. It is also worth noting that the ECO mode is presented in each of the receivers. The setup assistant will help you configure Yamaha RX-V683BL.
Only the RX-V683BL has a Dolby Atmos multichannel audio format support. A surround technology DTS:X is supported only by the RX-V683BL.